Spoiler alert: Probably not—but don’t worry, The Stack Agency has your back.
When it comes to protecting your home, it’s easy to assume your homeowners insurance covers it all—including flood damage. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding caused by rising groundwater or heavy rains. Flooding is considered a separate peril and requires its own policy.
Why Doesn’t Homeowners Insurance Cover Flooding?
Floods can cause massive damage—not just to one home, but to entire communities. Because of the scale and cost, flood coverage is excluded from most homeowners insurance policies. Private insurers simply can’t absorb that level of risk.
That’s where the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) comes in. It’s a government-backed program designed to offer flood insurance coverage. At The Stack Agency, we can help you secure a flood policy through NFIP.
Premiums for NFIP policies vary based on your location and risk level, but they are typically the cost of your current homeowners insurance policy—if not more. The maximum coverage available for your home under NFIP is $250,000, and there is usually a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. This means you can’t add it last-minute when a storm is headed your way.
Can I Claim Water Damage on My Home Insurance?
It depends on where the water comes from.
Covered:
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A burst pipe
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A leaking roof after a storm
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A sudden appliance malfunction
Not Covered:
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Gradual leaks or poor maintenance
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Sewer or drain backups (unless you’ve added a special endorsement)
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Flooding from rising groundwater
If water enters your home from the ground up, your standard home insurance will not help. But if the damage is sudden, accidental, and from an internal source, you’re more likely to have coverage.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Natural Disasters?
Yes and no. Most home insurance policies cover natural disasters like:
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Windstorms
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Hail
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Lightning
But they do not cover:
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Floods
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Earthquakes
For those, you need a separate policy or endorsement. It’s important to understand exactly what your policy does and does not cover—so you’re not left out in the rain.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Damage from a Toilet Overflow?
In many cases, yes—if the overflow was sudden and accidental. This typically falls under the category of accidental water damage from within the home. However, if the issue stemmed from neglected plumbing or a slow leak you knew about, coverage may be denied. Always double-check your policy details.
What Not to Say to a Homeowners Insurance Adjuster
Honesty is key—but oversharing can hurt your claim. Stick to the facts. Avoid saying things like:
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“I think it’s been leaking for a while…”
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“It’s probably due to that old pipe I never got around to fixing…”
Also, be careful with wording. Instead of saying “flooding,” you might use terms like “sudden water intrusion.” Words matter in insurance, and the wrong phrasing can make or break a claim. Let the adjuster assess and document the damage—you don’t need to offer theories.
What Options Does The Stack Agency Offer for Flood Coverage?
We’ve got two solid solutions:
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NFIP Flood Insurance
We can help you get a flood policy through NFIP, with up to $250,000 in coverage. These policies are government-backed and typically cost as much or more than your current homeowners insurance policy. Again, there’s a 30-day waiting period, so planning ahead is key. -
Extended Water Endorsement with Erie
If you’re insured with Erie, we can add an Extended Water endorsement to your existing homeowners policy. It provides up to $100,000 in coverage for an additional $1,112 or more, prorated for the remainder of the year. This option offers flexibility and convenience—plus, we can adjust the coverage amount if needed. Just remember: water damage adds up fast, and a little extra protection can go a long way.
All I need is your go-ahead to process the change.
Still unsure what’s right for you? That’s what we’re here for. At The Stack Agency, we’re all about helping you feel confident, protected, and fully covered—before the storm clouds roll in.
You heard that from Danielle.
Call or Text: 931-237-3485
Email: danielle@thestackagencytn.com
www.thestackagencytn.com